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3G iPhone May be Coming to Italy Sans Exclusive Carrier

Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 10:45 AM - by

Apple may be prepping to launch a 3G version of the iPhone in Italy soon with Telecom Italia. If the rumors are true, the deal will bring more than a 3G iPhone. It will also mark the first time Apple has struck a carrier deal that doesn't include revenue sharing or a long-term exclusivity agreement, according to la Repubblica (English translation).

Every cell carrier Apple has struck an iPhone deal with so far has agreed to share some of its monthly contract revenue with the Cupertino company, and Apple has agreed to long term exclusive distribution deals.

It appears that Telecom Italia will have exclusive distribution rights in Italy through the summer, which implies that a 3G iPhone will be available in time for summer, and that other Italian cell providers can jump into the iPhone game before the end of 2008.

Assuming la Repubblica's information is correct, this could be the first step in freeing the iPhone from specific cell service providers around the world, and not in just select European countries.

[Thanks to TMO reader Chris_CH for the heads up.]

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